The Victoria Day long weekend on a lake north of Kingston, Ont., turned tragic when a speed boat collided with a fishing boat, resulting in the deaths of three people between the ages of 21 and 23. The victims, Riley Orr, Juliette Cote, and Kaila Bearman, were all graduates of high schools in the Limestone School District. In response to the tragic incident, the district has been working to provide support to students in need. A moment of silence was held by the Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association to honor the victims, who were former student athletes within the association.
The victims were identified as former student athletes, with one being from Sydenham High School, one from Regiopolis-Notre Dame Catholic High School, and one from LaSalle Secondary School. The association’s athletic coordinator, Paul Pennell, spoke about the impact of the loss, highlighting the accomplishments and involvement of each victim in school sports. The community is coming together to remember and honor the lives of Orr, Cote, and Bearman, with plans to pay tribute to them throughout the week at various sporting events. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with several people being transported to the hospital, including one with serious injuries.
Residents near the site of the collision have commented on the speeding boat involved in the crash, noting that it was known to be driving fairly quickly. The speed limit for boaters in the area is 10 km/h, raising questions as to whether speed, alcohol, or a lack of navigation lights played a role in the fatal incident. While no charges have been laid so far, the OPP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. With no updates on the status of the five others taken to the hospital, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims during this difficult time.
The tragic boating incident has deeply impacted the community, with many expressing their condolences and support for the families of the victims. The Limestone School District and the Kingston Area Secondary Schools Athletic Association are working to provide assistance to students in need of support following the loss of their classmates. As the investigation into the collision continues, residents near the crash site have shared their knowledge of the speeding boat involved, emphasizing the need for boater safety in the area. The community is coming together to mourn the lives lost and honor the memories of Orr, Cote, and Bearman, who were all active members of the local athletic community.
The fatal boating accident highlights the importance of safety measures on the water, with authorities urging boaters to adhere to speed limits and navigation regulations. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and providing resources to those affected by the tragedy. The impact of the incident has reverberated throughout the community, with schools and athletic associations joining together to remember the lives lost. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the cause of the collision and prevent similar accidents in the future. The tragic loss of Orr, Cote, and Bearman serves as a reminder of the importance of boating safety and vigilance on the water.
